Jay's Last Act of Random Kindness

Dear Friends,

My husband and I had the extreme honor of being housemates to Jesse Lawrence Turnbull, better known as Jay or JT.  Jay was the most endearing person we have ever known.  He was like a son, brother to our children, and a friend.  Jay happened to have autism, bi-polar condition, obsessive compulsive disorder and intellectual disabilities.  That did not stop Jay from living a very dignified life.  He worked at the University as a mail clerk, metering and delivering mail to two floors of special education professors. He went out with friends and enjoyed movies, bowling, eating out, and dancing. He loved music.  Every night of the week there was music on in our home.

Jay received a salary from the university where he worked, but his concept of money did not let him appreciate the hundreds of dollars.  Instead, Jay earned eight $1 bills each day at the end of his shift to reward him for a job well done.  This was money given to his job coach from his salary. She would give him eight dollars and Jay proudly put those eight dollars in his billfold each afternoon and used the money to purchase a soda pop during his break and to spend at night when going out with friends.  This money meant the world to him.  

Jay went everywhere we went.  He was used to seeing my husband open up his wallet and get out a dollar or two for the Salvation Army kettle during the Christmas season.  We always let Jay put the money in and told him it was to help the poor.  In December of 2008, it was extremely icy.  Jay's job coach took him to the local grocery store and because it was icy she dropped him off at the door and told him to wait while she parked the car.  Jay was not always steady on his feet especially on icy surfaces.

As his job coach was walking toward the door, she saw Jay open up his wallet and take out all eight of his dollar bills and put them into the Salvation Army kettle.  Those eight dollars were equal to a hundred dollars to him.  It meant not having a soda pop during break or having money to go out to dinner with friends. He knew the money went to help others and his heart wanted to share.

We didn't know it, but Christmas 2008 was to be Jay's last Christmas on Earth.  Jay had a massive heart attack and passed away January 7, 2009.  He was 41 years old. We miss him every single day.  He didn't know what it was to hate (except asparagus).  He never judged anyone and accepted everyone for who they were.

I ask you in Jay's honor to think about dropping eight one dollar bills into the Salvation Army Kettle this Christmas if you can afford it.  I dropped mine in this morning and sent a kiss up to Heaven.

Wishing you all the peace of the season; whatever holiday you are celebrating, think about sharing your heart with "Random Acts of Christmas Kindness" (RACK up this season).

Laura Riffel